Take the family to see five of Central Florida's most decorated neighborhoods this Christmas season

Christmas is a time for traditions: trimming the tree, watching "It's a Wonderful Life" and, for some, driving around to see holiday lights.

But the brightest, most amazing displays aren't always easy to find in a metro area as large as Orlando. And no one wants to waste the whole night driving along dark streets and looking at lame decorations.

Calendar is here to help. To save gas, time and the headache of a carload of cranky passengers, we've driven from Mount Dora and Altamonte Springs to Orlando and Winter Park in search of neighborhoods that go all out for the holiday. We're talking blocks full of neighbors who work together to make their homes visible from space.

So grab Grandma (if she hasn't been run over by a reindeer), Mommy (if she's not too busy kissing Santa Claus) and all the kids with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads and check out five of Central Florida's most decorated neighborhoods.

Tanglewood

Location: Winter Park, off Howell Branch Road and west of Semoran Boulevard.

Don't miss: 5044 Lake Howell Road, home of Henry and Julie Sisk.

What you'll see: Each year, the Sisks decorate their yard with plastic candy canes, light-up trees and several Santas. Sisk said the community association gives a $50 prize for the best-decorated house, but that's not why he lugs out the lights each year. "This is for the kids," he said. A few years back, a family stopped by his house and gave him a home-made, framed award for "Prettiest Yard." Sisk and his wife display the honor, which has four wooden candy canes attached to the frame, in their living room.

Lemonwood Court

Location: Spring Oaks in Altamonte Springs, off Montgomery Road and north of State Road 436.

Don't miss: 641 Lemonwood Court, home of Omar and Maria Rodriguez.

What you'll see: For almost 20 years, the residents of Lemonwood Court have been showing off their Christmas spirit with over-the-top decorations. But the real treat comes on Christmas Eve. Luminaries line the sidewalks, and Santa makes an appearance, said resident Maria Rodriguez. The yearly event draws hundreds to the neighborhood. "It's just the street to be on Christmas Eve," she said.

Eastbrook

Location: Winter Park, off Aloma Avenue and east of Lakemont Avenue.

Don't miss: 2015 Taylor Road, home of Peter and Nancy Slage.

What you'll see: There may be no other group of neighbors in Central Florida that goes quite as far as the Eastbrook people do during the holidays. Drive into the neighborhood and you'll see candy canes — made of PVC pipe with red electrical tape — lining almost every yard. The Slages decorate their yard with the candy canes as well as a dolphin wearing a Santa cap, a Nativity scene and lots of reindeer. Peter Slage said he doesn't have the best-decorated house in the neighborhood — just the "tackiest."

Country Club of Mount Dora

Location: Mount Dora, off U.S. Highway 441 and north of Wolf Branch Road.

Don't miss: 5014 Greenbriar Trail, home of Wally and Monica Bush.

What you'll see: This sleepy golf community in Mount Dora wakes up during the Christmas season, especially the residents on Greenbriar Trail. The Bushes decorate their home with a light-up train, a helicopter and a toy horse. The Bushes are so proud of their display this year that they hired a photographer to take pictures of the house. The photos, Monica Bush said, will be mailed to friends and family in Wisconsin, Ohio and Texas.

Abelia Drive

Location: Hidden Springs subdivision in Dr. Phillips, off Dr. Phillips Boulevard and south of Conroy Road.

Don't miss: 5248 Abelia Drive, home of Tim and Carrie Heberling.

What you'll see: Mickey, Minnie, Snow White, Donald Duck and Goofy all make cameos in the Heberlings' holiday display. Painted on plywood cutouts, the Disney characters are decorating a tree and building a snowman. Tim Heberling, a former Disney employee, and his wife, Carrie, were given the homemade decorations and have displayed them for about 10 years. Strangers often stop by and snap pictures of the displays, which doesn't bother the couple. "We both love Christmas," Tim said. While you're in the Dr. Phillips area, check out the house at 7981 Snowberry Court. It's in the Sandy Springs subdivision off Dr. Phillips Boulevard. You'll know it by the giant Santa Claus in the front yard.